Italy sends 500 soldiers to Milan after clashes, tightens protest laws

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced Tuesday the deployment of 500 soldiers to Milan until year-end following weekend clashes and looting, while also approving stricter measures against minors involved in violence. The government approved measures to facilitate detention of minors, impose fines on their parents for damages, and create a new offense of "violent participation in a protest." Meloni stated nearly 200 police officers were injured and 330 people detained. The soldiers will not receive police powers due to opposition from President Sergio Mattarella. The weekend unrest involved luxury store closures, with protests across Italy against rising living costs and more demonstrations expected Saturday.